Related articles

"The last days were for reflecting and for me is a privilege wearing the shirt, I am very proud and I hope to be here for a long time," Rakitic said.

"Playing in the best club in the world is the biggest thing, I have spoken to my wife, my family and my agent and we all decided we are very well here and there's no other club able to offer me what Barcelona is offering.

“Right now the most important thing is to prepare for the next games in the best possible way.

"Thanks for the coach's words, to the board, the team and the fans, I feel privileged and I will give my all to win titles," he continued.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been linked with a move to PSG (Image: GETTY)

"There were many clubs asking for me but we thought about it with my family and it was a very easy decision, I wanted to be here."

Rakitic had received support from Valverde earlier in the week with Spain’s transfer window closing on August 31.

"Ivan is a fundamental player for our club. We're counting on him, I certainly am," Valverde said.

"I want the best players for the season and Rakitic is one of my best. He knows how we play and he's fully committed to the club, so of course, my idea is for him to be here.

"Look at his statistics. We all know what he does for the team but just as we analyse players from other teams, other teams analyse our players.